Bob Costas is leaving MLB play-by-play.
Costas confirmed to The Athletic Thursday that he is retiring from MLB play-by-play. While the decision was reportedly made prior to this season, coinciding with the end of his contract with TNT Sports, Costas is said to understand that the quality of his play-by-play has declined. He was the subject of considerable social media criticism for his TBS call of the Yankees-Royals ALDS.
Though he is perhaps most associated with baseball, Costas only called part of three World Series, a figure already exceeded by Fox Sports’ Joe Davis. He called those series, as well as ten League Championship Series, during his tenure with NBC — when he served as the network’s secondary voice in the 1980s and its lead voice from 1995-2000.
Costas had only worked games for TBS the past three seasons, calling a Division Series each year. Prior to his TBS work, he worked mainly for MLB Network and typically worked a playoff game per year. He will continue to serve as a host and commentator for MLB Network.
MLB play-by-play was the final major role Costas held on national sports coverage. The face of NBC Sports for decades, Costas last worked for the network in 2018.
As for TNT Sports, Costas filled a role that was previously occupied by Don Orsillo and, prior to that, Ernie Johnson. It should be noted that Johnson left MLB play-by-play in 2017 because the start of the NBA season began to conflict with the MLB Postseason. With TNT Sports almost certain to lose NBA rights after this season, he would presumably be available to call games again.
